20 Differences Between High School & College Life

About 69% of high school graduates continue their education with a college degree, according to the most recent data from Education.org. Though it’s generally the next step, there are times when the high school and college experiences couldn’t be more different. From childhood to adulthood, high school allows you to gain a sense of what it will be like to be an adult. On the other hand, college allows you to fully take ownership of your time, responsibilities and who you want to become. As long as you’re able to stay on track of the goal at hand, i.e. getting marvelous grades, keeping a smart schedule and studying like crazy, you’ll be just fine. In college, balance is the key. Work a lot, have a little fun. If it sounds pretty great, that’s because it absolutely is. Here are a few comparisons that you’ll experience during your transition into the college lifestyle.

20 Differences between High School & College Life:

1. High School: In high school, you know everyone in your class.
   College: In college, you’re lucky to know one person in your class.
2. High School High school books are provided are little to no cost.
   College: College textbooks cost a small fortune.
   
3. High School: You have to live with your parents in high school.
   College: You get to live with your friends in college.
4. High School: You wake up early in the morning for class in high school.
   College: You wake up for your first class (or whenever you want).
5. High School: In high school, you were forced to learn all subjects.
   College: In college, you get to learn whatever you want to.
6. High School: In high school, your time and schedule are dictated by others.
   College: In college, you take back ownership of time management.
7. High School: In high school, teachers read from the textbooks they use.
   College: In college, professors refer to the textbooks they wrote.
8. High School: In high school, you studied comfortably at home before a test.
   College: In college, the library becomes your home away from home.
9. High School: In high school, you wrote notes to friends.
   College: In college, you take notes for yourself.
10. High School: In high school, you're able finish all your homework in one night.
    College: In college, that’s a near-to-impossible feat.
11. High School: In high school, you have a full day of classes.
    College: In college, you plan your schedule to your liking.
12. High School: In high school, you’re stuck with a set social hierarchy.
    College: In college, you get to choose who you spend time around.
13. High School: In high school, assigned reading means a night off from homework.
    College: In college, you actually need to do the reading - and it takes all night.
14. High School: In high school, everyone is required to be there.
    College: In college, everyone wants to be there.
15. High School In high school, you worried about what “looked” cool.
    College: In college, you’re too busy to care about what other people think.
16. High School: In high school, you’re stuck in a social “role” that others cast you in.
    College: In college, you can be whoever you want to be.
17. High School: In high school, you have adults telling you what’s expected of you.
    College: In college, it’s just expected.
18. High School: In high school, teachers gear classes towards average learners.
    College: Average is the bare (emphasis on bare) minimum in college classes.
19. High School: High school attendance is mandatory.
    College: College attendance is (strongly) suggested.
20. High School: In high school, you had a curfew you had to follow.
    College: In college, you use your own judgment for what you have time to do.

Adjusting to College Life

Though college is different from high school in many positive ways, it can still feel like a huge adjustment. If you’re a college freshman or transfer student and still feel as if you don’t know your place on campus, that’s ok. It takes time. Put yourself out there. If you want to make the most of your college experience, you need to work to find community. It doesn’t just fall into your lap. Until you’ve found a group of people that you love hanging out with, never turn down an invitation to grab a meal, study, or attend an event. The more people you meet, the better your chances of finding that core group of friends that you can navigate college life with during your years on campus. Find your study spot on campus. You will spend a lot of time studying, researching, and writing papers. In light of this fact, it’s important to find a spot (or three) on campus that feel warm and inviting, a place that you can hunker down in for hours at a time. Eventually, this spot will feel like your second home – so find a good one. Make sure you recharge your battery. Everyone needs a break from their every day life, and that includes college students. If you’re an extrovert, recharging your battery may look like joining a club or intramural team that meets regularly. If you’re an introvert, your time away from your college life may look like turning all the lights off in your dorm room and watching your favorite movie. Whatever your personality, make sure you’re making time for yourself that is relaxing. Call home. Some believe that you shouldn’t call or visit home within the first few weeks of college because it could impact your ability to find a place on campus. But that’s just not true. If you miss your parents or guardians, siblings, and friends, shoot them a text or give them a call. Don’t be afraid to talk about the fact that you feel homesick. Putting it out there may help you feel as if it’s off your chest, which can be the first step toward moving forward in your new life.